On April 25th, we come together as a nation to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand men and women in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. In 2025, ANZAC Day marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings—a campaign that left a deep imprint on our national identity and laid the foundations of the ANZAC spirit: courage, mateship, endurance, and sacrifice.

The Gallipoli Legacy

In 1915, thousands of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landed on the beaches of Gallipoli in Turkey. They faced brutal conditions, fierce resistance, and a prolonged campaign that lasted eight months. Over 8,700 Australians lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign. Though it ended in withdrawal, the bravery shown during those months became a cornerstone of our national character.

What ANZAC Day Means Today

While Gallipoli was the origin, ANZAC Day has since evolved into a day of remembrance for all Australian and New Zealand service members who have fought or served in conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and peacekeeping missions around the world. It’s a time to honour the sacrifices of those who never returned, those who came back changed, and those who continue to serve today.

ANZAC Day 2025 Commemorations

This year’s commemorations will include:

• Dawn Services: Held across Australia and New Zealand, often beginning at 4:30 or 5:00 AM, these services echo the time of the original landing at Gallipoli. They typically include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance.
• Veterans’ Marches: Later in the morning, veterans, current serving personnel, and descendants of service members take part in ANZAC Day marches. Spectators line the streets, applauding and showing gratitude for their service.
• Community Services: Many RSLs, community groups, and schools hold mid-morning or afternoon services to ensure everyone has the chance to participate. Some will include readings, music, and educational tributes.
• Local Stories: This year, more communities are focusing on telling the personal stories of those who served—bringing history closer to home. Whether it’s a grandfather who fought in WWII or a neighbour who served in Afghanistan, these stories bring a human voice to remembrance.

Ways You Can Honour the Day

• Attend a local Dawn Service or March: It’s a powerful and moving way to connect with the day’s meaning.
• Lay a wreath or flowers at a local war memorial.
• Light a candle at dawn at home if you can’t attend in person.
• Wear a red poppy or rosemary sprig—symbols of remembrance and loyalty.
• Observe a minute’s silence at dawn to reflect on the sacrifices made.
• Talk to your kids or younger people about why we remember.
• Share the story of a relative or local hero who served.
• Support veteran organisations, such as Legacy, Soldier On, or the RSL.

Why It Still Matters

Even as we move further from the events of WWI and WWII, the values of the ANZACs—courage, mateship, selflessness—continue to shape our national identity. In a time of uncertainty or challenge, remembering the resilience and humanity shown by those who served reminds us of what binds us together as a community and a nation.

This ANZAC Day, take a moment to reflect, to learn, and to honour.

Lest We Forget.